Using a Scanning Micro Pulse Lidar to Study Aerosol Dynamics in New York City

Lidar imaging of the dynamic spatial distribution of aerosols on urban areas can shed light on atmospheric dynamics, aerosol transport and particulate pollution.  In this study, spatial distribution of aerosols in New York City is studied using a scanning eye-safe 532 nm elastic-backscatter micro pulse lidar with a range of up to 7 km with adequate averaging.  Observations show dynamics of the urban boundary layer as well as inhomogeneous aerosol features and mixing processes within the boundary layer for select summer 2016 days.  The data acquired are complemented with simultaneous measurements of temperature, water vapor and wind speed to understand dynamics and evolution of aerosol distribution. Furthermore, the system observations are validated by comparing them with a co-located multi-wavelength lidar.